Lucania, Distater, ca. 350-300 BC
Thourioi - Silver - EF(40-45) - HGC:1-1263
Sold
Head of Athena on the right wearing an helmet adorned with a figure of Scylla hurling rocks.
Bull bending to the right, in sacrificial position with its right foreleg bent and its head bowed to the ground; HPA above its back and cornucopia (?) in exergue.
Distater with gray patina and a beautifully centered strike. Our specimen features a fine portrait of Athena, with a fine figure and a beautifully ornamented helmet, the egrets of which are drawn by lines that are still largely visible. The body of Scylla reflects some wear on our coin, but the delicate scales covering the top of her tail are still clearly visible. Her breastplate, body and depiction in motion lend relief and dynamism to the iconography. Thourioi was built on the ruins of Sybaris, destroyed by Kroton. The bull is a reminder of the city's coinage and the wealth associated with the bovine trade, particularly leather. Noe, Group N, 10-16 ; HN Italy 1859-1861 (unknown symbol, cornucopia ?) and HGC 1, 1263. Faune d'Argent Collection.
ΘΟΥΡΙΩΝ / HPA
15.76 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
